A Night of Unplugged Unity at The Smithfield Market Tavern
Manchester Folk Festival’s cosiest corner brought songs, stories, and a whole lot of togetherness.
Tucked away in Manchester’s ever-buzzing Northern Quarter, The Smithfield Market Tavern is one of those rare places that feels like home the second you step inside. It’s the kind of pub where time slows down — wooden floors underfoot, the faint chatter of pubgoers in the back room, and a dart board resting quietly in the corner. On Saturday night, the tavern opened its doors not just to thirsty regulars, but to a gathering of the city’s folk faithful, as part of this year’s Manchester Folk Festival.
The evening was orchestrated by Alwyn Jones, a singer-songwriter originally from Sheffield, renowned for his ability to craft delicate, heartfelt melodies. Stepping in for Jon Coley to lead the Scribbling Town folk club, Jones imparted a sense of ease and warmth that established the tone flawlessly. Whether one was a seasoned member of the club or a newcomer, all were invited to take the stage.
There’s something magical about a gig with no wires, no microphones — just voices, strings, and the hum of the room itself. It felt like stepping into a secret society where everyone somehow knew each other, or if they didn’t, they would by the end of the night. The bar may have been lively, but as soon as someone stood up to play, a hush rippled through the crowd. People leaned in. Drinks were set down gently. Every note, every lyric hung in the air like it mattered.
The performers were a varied bunch: singer-songwriters baring original songs, a fluttering Irish flute, the steady rhythm of a banjo, and harmonicas sighing in between. More than once, someone sang a cappella, their voice filling the room unaccompanied, raw, and powerful. And when choruses circled back, the whole tavern joined in, lifting the songs higher.
You could smell the beer, hear laughter in the pockets between performances, and feel a genuine sense of community binding it all together. It wasn’t just a gig — it was a gathering, a sharing. A reminder that folk music isn’t just about the songs, but about the people who show up to listen, sing along, and hold the space.
Nights like these are what keep Manchester’s folk scene thriving. No fanfare, no fuss — just good songs, good people, and a room full of heart. The Smithfield Market Tavern, with all its history and worn-in charm, is set as the perfect backdrop to show the enduring spirit of folk traditions in the heart of the city.